Career Progression

Being a leader is not just about rank or grade, individuals at every level are exposed to situations which require them to demonstrate leadership ability.  The nature of the service we deliver and the role we perform within the community brings significant responsibility and a belief that everyone on our organisation is capable of fulfilling a leadership role.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland values its staff and places considerable investment in developing the technical skills and leadership qualities required for career progression. Our pragmatic approach to developing staff recognises that both the organisation and the individual have a responsibility to contribute towards development.

On completion of your probationary period a range of opportunities will be open to you through internal promotion and vacancy processes.

Pre-employment learning

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has collaborated with The Open University to develop an e-learning course titled “Collaborative problem solving for community safety” which offers a range of techniques for community police officers, other community-based public service professionals and members of community groups working to solve problems collaboratively and creatively.

Induction training

On appointment, all police staff are required to complete a number of online learning programmes as part of their induction training.

As most police staff roles within the Police Service of Northern Ireland will require the role holder to have access to specialist computer systems, police staff will be required to complete specific training on these systems. The vast majority of systems training is delivered in house.  If this is not covered as part of any induction programme, your Line Manager will discuss these requirements with you at the start of your employment.

Leadership Training Faculty

Leadership Training Faculty at the Police College NI provide a number of opportunities to develop both individuals and teams, across the organisation.  The training provided supports the wider People and Culture Strategy 2020-25, and is underpinned by the CVF values.

The Leadership Training Faculty currently offer the following leadership pathways and training:

• Senior Leadership Development Programme for Chief Inspector, Deputy Principal and above;
• First Line Leaders Development Programme, for Sergeant, EO2 and above;
• Masterclasses for Leaders at all levels;
• Collaborative external training programmes;
• Insights Discovery programmes for personal and team awareness, growth and performance.

Senior Leaders Development Programme (SLDP)

This programme is ongoing for Deputy Principal, Chief Inspector and above.

The programme is delivered in collaboration with the College of Policing and is aligned to the University of Portsmouth's Leadership and Management Faculty for accreditation.

First Line Leaders Development Programme (FLLDP)

This new programme is currently being designed for Sergeant, EO2 and above.

Masterclasses

These Leadership masterclasses, facilitated by both internal and external experts, have been designed to support our staff and provide an opportunity for development.

Insights Discovery Programme

The Insights Discovery methodology uses a simple and memorable four colour model to help people understand their style, their strengths and the value they bring to the team.  We are presently offering Insights Discovery 'Team Effectiveness Workshops', either virtually or face to face.

The workshop focuses on:

• Understanding communication preferences - self and others;
• Effective relationships with colleagues;
• Striving to improve communication and minimise conflict;
• Achieving success through building strong partnerships.

Professional Development Review

PSNI has an established culture of continuous professional development linked to the Internal Professional Development (PDR) system.  Staff will use the PDR platform as a means to strive for continuous performance development.  Within the PDR, which is led through line management, continuous performance conversations will be held on a regular basis to reflect your progress, achievements, support needed and identify any development requirements.